Featured Yankee Card of the Week

February 14, 2011

I have no idea. But CC Sabathia possibly opting out after this season — as his contract permits — is a hot topic on the day most pitchers and catchers reported to spring training. To cause the commotion, all CC had to say was “anything is possible in a contract.”

The Yankees are paying him $23 million annually to pitch until he’s 35 years old. The only pitcher who makes more money annually is Cliff Lee, but Sabathia’s seven-year, $161 million contract still is the highest ever in terms of total value.

I’m not surprised by Sabathia coming out and saying anything is possible. He’s a smart guy, and it’s smart for someone with his type of talent to keep his options open. He could start a bidding war and make a little more money.

Hypothetically, let’s say he opted out after this season. What team would outbid the Yankees for him? Only a handful of teams could afford his current deal.

In Sabathia’s two years in pinstripes, he’s won his first World Series ring and then came two wins shy of reaching another World Series.

Let’s review, shall we?

Money? Check.

Winning? Check.

New York fame? Check.

If you can think of any reason why he’d opt out (besides creating a bidding war), please, let me know in the comments.